By Jamie Martin
The USDA has issued a natural disaster designation for multiple Nebraska counties following extended drought conditions. This action allows the Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loan assistance to eligible producers affected by the disaster.
The drought conditions reached federal thresholds ranging from severe to exceptional levels, leading to significant agricultural challenges. Many producers experienced crop failure, limited forage, and increased costs.
The primary counties in Nebraska eligible for assistance include:
Adams, Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Boone, Box Butte, Boyd, Buffalo, Butler, Cedar, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Clay, Colfax, Custer, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Hooker, Howard, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Knox, Lincoln, Loup, McPherson, Madison, Merrick, Morrill, Nance, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Scotts Bluff, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Valley, Wayne, Wheeler, and York.
Several contiguous counties in Nebraska and nearby states including Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming also qualify due to their proximity to the affected areas.
Emergency loans may be used to support recovery needs such as equipment replacement, livestock purchases, farm reorganization, and refinancing qualifying debts. Loan approvals depend on the level of loss and repayment capacity.
Producers must submit applications by December 15, 2026, through their local USDA Service Center or by using online disaster assistance tools.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: National